Emergency crews rescued stranded drivers from the roofs of their vehicles Thursday after a water main break flooded a Houston freeway.

The flooding submerged vehicles on an eastern section of Loop 610, a highway that circles the city. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez tweeted early Thursday afternoon that all occupants were out of flooded vehicles.

The flooding submerged vehicles on an eastern section of Loop 610, a highway that circles Houston.
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There were no reports of injuries. Drivers in the low-lying city are used to navigating flooded roadways during storms, but the water main-caused flash flood caught many by surprise on a sunny day.

The fire department said on Twitter that it had rescued three people and searched and cleared 12 vehicles.

Houston officials said the 8-foot water main burst as a contractor doing exploratory work for a city water line project moved soil from the line. The city said contractors are in the area to isolate the break and make repairs.

Houston officials said the 8-foot water main burst as a contractor doing exploratory work for a city water line project moved soil from the line.
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City officials said they had received reports about low water pressure across a large swath of the city. Once the valves are closed, pressure should be restored.

Gonzalez said some nearby businesses were reporting that they had no water service.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com